Car dealership company Capital Automotive Group has launched RideShift, which uses artificial intelligence and customer service to improve the vehicle-buying process before, during and after the sale, according to a Wednesday (April 20) press release.
RideShift offers an online, automated site for pre-owned vehicle sales with 20 participating locations. The eCommerce offering includes finding, financing, purchasing and scheduling curbside pickup or delivery of vehicles, adding to the 29 full-service Capital Automotive Group dealerships across the Carolinas.
“We know that each of our customers is unique, and they want car buying to be more convenient — less haggle, less hassle, and less negotiations,” RideShift Director of Operations Curtis Driver said in the announcement. “RideShift makes the vehicle purchase transaction easy and enables our dealership to reach customers who may not have thought about us before this option in buying fully online.
“The automotive industry is not immune to disruption be it supply chain or new players, underscoring why innovation and resiliency are essential to business longevity. RideShift enables Capital Automotive Group to transform our business into a true eCommerce offering and has positioned us to be at the forefront of this market transition,” he said.
RideShift will be introduced as part of a regional campaign featuring former Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly.
“RideShift complements our efforts to build a robust and sustainable automotive industry in the Carolinas that is affordable, profitable and equitable for all involved,” RideShift Chief Operating Officer Lindsey Michael-Longo said in the press release. “As with every Capital Automotive Group initiative, it is about products, service to our customers, and the community.”
Related: Car Company Execs Say Inventories Will Stay Low, Prices High, Through 2022
Car shortages will not likely go away any time soon, according to a recent report in The Wall Street Journal, which adds that car company executives, who spoke at the New York International Auto Show, predicted industry issues will likely hamper things throughout the rest of the year.
The report notes that car prices have come a little off their record levels, but they’re still higher than usual. Depleted car lots, strong customer demand and decreased factory output all add up to mean things might be this way for a while, even if the computer chip shortage eases and consumer demand escalates.